The “HAPPY Dragon” appears at the National Father Memorial Hall; mini lanterns to be distributed today

Written/Compiled and Reported by Li Xinyi

The main lantern of the Taipei Lantern Festival, the “HAPPY Dragon,” was test-lit last night. It was designed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute team from the “Dream Gallery” of the Taipei Expo. The performance combines 3D animation, a dance of fire and water, water screen projections, misted aromas, and full-color lasers. Members of the public interested in viewing it can visit the National Father Memorial Hall from February 2 to February 12. Meanwhile, the Taipei Lantern Festival mini lantern, the “HAPPY Dragon,” will be distributed starting today (31st) at 1 p.m. simultaneously at designated locations across 12 administrative districts. Distribution is limited to one per person per day and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

The main “HAPPY Dragon” lantern structure is designed for both daytime and nighttime performances, offering a spectacular audiovisual experience that blends traditional lantern art with modern technology every 30 minutes. The show follows four major themes: “The Dragon God Appears,” “Universal Celebration,” “People’s Wishes,” and “The Dragon Bestows Blessings.” Paired with light and sound effects, it will be presented every evening from 7 to 11 p.m. over the 11-day duration of the 2012 Taipei Lantern Festival, at 30-minute intervals. Surrounding the main lantern at the National Father Memorial Hall are various colorful lanterns filled with traditional festive atmosphere, symbolizing continuous good fortune and blessings.

In addition, this year the mini lanterns will not be distributed on-site at the lantern festival as in previous years, but instead will be handed out simultaneously across 12 administrative districts. Distribution locations include: the left side of the West Exit of Songshan Railway Station, Civic Center A of Xinyi District, Xinsheng Elementary School, Zhongshan Elementary School, the corridor next to the Daxiao Gate entrance of the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall (near Aiguo East Road), the hallway and corridors of Daqiao Elementary School, the first-floor cultural corridor of Wanhua Railway Station, the main entrance hallway of Muzha Elementary School, the entrance hallway of Nangang Elementary School, the hallway of Neihu Senior High School of Technology, Shilin Elementary School, and Beitou Elementary School.